Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, Portland: Researching Neoliberalism in Local NeighborhoodsEpochal economic restructuring has resulted in massive growth in inequality, increases in corporate power, acceleration of climate change, etc. It's the economics of the 1%, and the term “neoliberalism” is used to describe the package of economic policies, political priorities and ideas that legitimize these changes. We see it in how the structure of the world around us has changed, and we can examine and research these changes in local communities. This class offers an introduction to the political economy of our times and a chance to research key aspects of neoliberalism and resistance to it. We'll use Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, and Portland as our "laboratory" for studying political economic changes since the 1970s.NOTE: Students who take the course for more than four credits will have the option of doing independent projects and readings related to deepening the learning and work of the course. For the 8 credit students we will set up weekly meetings based on your availability. 12 and 16 credit students will complete the additional work over the full summer session. If you are absolutely unable to meet at the listed hours, but are still interested in the class, email me atzaragozt@evergreen.edu, and we can find a solution.

This offering will prepare you for careers and advanced study in: Education, popular education, social movements, teaching and learning in diverse environments, community work, social work, economic justice, multicultural history and polycultural studies, graduate school in social science, history, law, geography and political economy, alternative justice systems, among others.

Online learning: Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.Scheduled for: DayLocated in: OlympiaAdvertised schedule:Tue/Thu 1pm-5pm